SOUTHERN Regional College student Stephen Rooney from Kilkeel beat almost 6,000 entries from across the UK to become Best Young Landscape Artist of the Year.
Awarded by the prestigious SAA (Society for All Artists), what makes Stephen’s story more incredible is that he was, throughout his studies, a fulltime carer for his dad.
He said: “Throughout this difficult time my course co-ordinator was a great support.
She was always available to talk with me, and helped me when I needed it.
“My message to anyone would be to never give up.
“I came through very hard and challenging times in life, but I never let go of my dream, and kept a firm grip of that paintbrush.”